Median Income
$73,426
2% lower than US avg
Home Value
$97,600
65% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
140/100K
63% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
5.7%
83% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$663
43% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.7%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.8%
78% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.4%
81% lower than US avg
How Ionia Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population318
Median Age36.5 yrs
Density568/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans6.8%
Economy
A+
Median Income$73,426
Per Capita$36,772
Unemployment0.8%
Poverty2.4%
County GDP$1,087M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$97,600
Rent$663
Ownership78.0%
Zillow$123,026
Housing Units160
Rent Burden18.8%
Crime
F
Violent140/100K
Property644/100K
Health
Obesity39.7%
Uninsured7.5%
Smoking17.1%
Depression20.7%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain40.6 in/yr
Sunny Days246/yr
Elevation1,150 ft (351 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+5.7%
High School+93.4%
Graduate+1.0%
School Score5.95
Community
2024 VoteR 68% / D 31%
Commute17 min
Broadband90.0%
EV Stations4
Libraries6
Is Ionia a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ionia receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Ionia offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ionia is $73,426, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.8%. Only 2.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ionia is $97,600, 65% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $663 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Ionia is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 140 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 644 per 100,000, 67% below the national average.
Education
5.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Ionia has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 246 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 40.6 inches, including 38.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Ionia has a population of 318 with a density of 568 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 36.5 years, 6% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.4% female and 51.6% male. The city is predominantly White (98.4%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 6.8% of the population are veterans. 12.6% of residents have a disability. 93.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.5yrs
Median Age
6% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Ionia is $73,426, which is 2% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $36,772. The average weekly wage is $1,066, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 430 business establishments, including 20 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $73,426 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $36,772 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,066 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $81,462 |
| Gini Index | 0.392 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.8% |
| 78% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.4% |
| 81% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 430 |
| County GDP | $1,087M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 20 |
| Healthcare | 34 |
| Retail | 46 |
| Manufacturing | 33 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,062 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.14% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 86.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.2% |
The median home value in Ionia is $97,600, 65% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $123,026, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $663 (43% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 78.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 160 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1961. The average annual property tax is $3,062. 18.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $97,600 |
| 65% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $123,026 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $663 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 18.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 78.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 78.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 22.0% |
| Housing Units | 160 |
| Median Year Built | 1961 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,062 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.14% |
In Ionia, 39.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 31.8% have high blood pressure. 17.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 24.9% report binge drinking. 25.0% are physically inactive. 20.7% report depression. 17.8% experience frequent mental distress. 7.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,972. The dentist ratio is 1:2,343. 60.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Ionia vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.7% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.8% |
| Asthma | 9.8% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.1% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 24.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.0% |
| Depression | 20.7% |
| Mental Distress | 17.8% |
| Physical Distress | 12.4% |
| Short Sleep | 33.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.9% |
| Uninsured | 7.5% |
| 13% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,972 |
| Dentists | 1:2,343 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,665 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.9% |
| Dental Visits | 64.0% |
| Premature Death | 6,659/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 60.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 34 |
Ionia has a violent crime rate of 140 per 100,000 residents, 63% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 644 per 100,000, 67% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Ionia receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Ionia vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 140.1/100K |
| 63% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 644.3/100K |
| 67% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Ionia has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 246 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 40.6 inches. The area receives 38.5 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,150 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
71°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 44.7°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 246 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,150 ft (351 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 568/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.0359°N, 92.4584°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Chickasaw County County |
| Nearest Airport | Northeast Iowa Regional (CCY)
8 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.6"
7% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.69"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 31.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 31.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 84.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
559 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 46 fatalities, 944 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF5 |
64 km |
9 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
59 km |
5 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
62 km |
13 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF4 |
22 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1967 |
EF4 |
99 km |
5 |
| Aug 26, 1965 |
EF4 |
85 km |
1 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
40 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 1961 |
EF4 |
53 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
46 km |
2 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2000 |
EF3 |
57 km |
1 |
| Jul 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1994 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1994 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1990 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1985 |
EF3 |
78 km |
2 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.9 in |
Driest |
| March |
33°F (0°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (21°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
49°F (10°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
33°F (1°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Ionia has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 14°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.7") and February the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Ionia. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $698 |
| Toddler | $601 |
| Preschool | $601 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $459 |
| Toddler | $451 |
| Preschool | $451 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ionia
What is the population of Ionia?
Ionia has a population of 318 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 568 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.4% female and 51.6% male.
Is Ionia expensive to live in?
Ionia is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $73,426, 2% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $97,600 (65% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $663 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Ionia safe?
Ionia is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 140 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 644 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Ionia receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Ionia?
Ionia has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 14°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 246 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 40.6 inches, with 38.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Ionia?
The job market in Ionia is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,066. There are 430 business establishments in the area, including 20 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 5.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ionia?
The median home value in Ionia is $97,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $123,026. For renters, the median monthly rent is $663. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 78.0%. The average annual property tax is $3,062.
How are the schools in Ionia?
Schools in Ionia score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 5.7% of adults in Ionia hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.4% have completed high school. 1.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ionia?
The obesity rate in Ionia is 39.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.1% of adults are smokers. 25.0% are physically inactive. 20.7% of residents report depression. 7.5% lack health insurance. 60.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,972.
What is transportation like in Ionia?
The average commute in Ionia is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 86.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ionia?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ionia is 98.4% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 6.8% of the population are military veterans. 12.6% of residents have a disability. 93.9% have health insurance coverage.
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